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Over the course of history I struggle to find anything that comes close to the role public transportation systems have in governing not only how we live our lives but also what makes towns, cities or villages either thriving or isolated communities. So, it goes without saying those working in the industry have a profound responsibility with every decision they make; it could impact the quality of life for millions.

There are two types of decisions that constantly need to be made in order to achieve goals in safety, efficiency and customer satisfaction:

1. Decisions that can be planned, considered and measured for the day-to-day and long term operational success of transport networks. 2. On-the-spot decisions that need to be made when the unexpected occurs.

Two different circumstances, with different pressures but one commonality – the decisions need to be founded on solid information and clearly communicated to be effectively actioned.

Whilst investment in infrastructure to cope with growing populations and linking villages to towns and towns to cities are in full swing, why would we not make the same investments in the communication systems that connect the infrastructure and workers powering these transport networks? There’s certainly cause to say that open lines of voice and data communications to the right people will always serve the greater good. With the endless communications options and capabilities available today - TETRA and/or LTE? How do you connect the right teams? How can applications for safety and information feed into the right channels? How do you get the right information to the right individuals so informed decisions can be made?- you need a basis for making your decisions.

"When you look at moulding the next generation transport communication system there’s three core elements that I believe should be the foundations for any network in order to achieve a universal success."

1. High availability communicationsfor an uninterruptable service that can be relied on in times of emergency 2. Simplified application integrationfor the collection and centralisation of data from various application sources via APIs to make informed decisions 3. Converged communication servicesfor a unified platform of seemingly disparate communication networks in order to provide a full picture of information

The end result might not be the choice of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution but what you do have is a system that pulls together the best from a few technologies. The resilient, reliable TETRA network, combined with the data capacities of LTE, the interoperability of PTT-over-broadband and a platform of applications.

When you combine different technologies to create a solution that works for your organisation, information becomes free-flowing, uninterrupted and allows the decision makers to make informed decisions to ensure efficient and safe operations to get people from A to B and allows communities to thrive. So, yes the next system of communication rolled out across our railways and roads will have a profound impact on our way of life – from the extreme of ensuring our safety to letting us know if our train is on time, it all hinges on the movement of information.

Reliable and safe public transport is vital for the functioning of modern societies. Without a fast and efficient flow of people and goods, societies will struggle to grow and prosper.

Throughout 2015 nearly 3.6 billion passengers travelled by air and the expectation for 2016 is for that number to rise to close to 4 billion. In terms of trade, shipments by air account for 35% of the value of world trade1. So it’s not a surprise that airports are considered strategic assets and gain significant focus when we examine where to invest to develop and build for the future.

As in many other places in the modern society, airports and air travel are constantly having to evolve to keep up with developments in information technology. Online check-in, digital boarding passes, web and smartphone applications for ordering and managing travel are only the tip of the iceberg.

A modern airport is a very complex animal with a multitude of people and organisations, processes and procedures. All have to cooperate and be coordinated - to play together – to make the airport function optimally.

And airports, with all these people and systems, are vulnerable. Disruption may come from operational incidents, from communications issues between people and systems or be direct intentional interference. Security has taken the highest priority, closely followed by a drive for increasing efficiency. We want a safe airport with easy, hassle-free and fast travel.

AWARENESS IS KEY!In order to deliver on the expectations from a modern airport, operations must be monitored so decisions can be taken immediately to optimise performance. Physical installations, buildings, infrastructure and people need to be kept safe. Security needs to be alerted when suspicious activity or behaviour is taking place and they need to be able to act instantly. The ability to detect, consider and react in a matter of seconds is a constant pressure.

Some of the assets that have to be monitored and controlled are in remote and outdoor locations. And communications to these is a vulnerable point – it has to be secured and would in many cases benefit from an independent communications system that cannot be hacked or tampered with as the main or backup line of communications.

TAKING THE LEAD WITH THE INDUSTRIAL INTERNET OF THINGSAt Motorola Solutions we develop comprehensive solutions for our customers’ needs and see airport security as the number one requirement. Our portfolios of radio networks provide an efficient solution for secure communications between people and systems in and around the airport.

If you are looking to connect a (remote) subsystem – for operational or security concerns – Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) allow connecting multiple subsystems reliably and with ease. You are always connected – if one network fails, another can take over. If a line is cut, wireless radio will provide full connectivity. Whether it’s communicating locally or to an application in the cloud, RTUs turn your disparate assets into intelligent actors on the communications scene – an industrial level solution for the Internet of Things.

Intelligent monitoring and control of (remote) subsystems – from weather, signal or lights systems to gate or building monitors, the solution for nearly all of these is Motorola Solutions IIoT RTUs. They are reliable and rugged, can be installed in nearly every environment and communicate on nearly any type of network in addition to allowing you to leverage your radio infrastructure.

INDEPENDENT PROGRAMMABLE OPERATIONSA Motorola Solutions RTU is programmable to facilitate immediate actions. It adds intelligence that you can rely on in a number of different circumstances:

- If a gate is opened and an alarm is triggered – the RTU will both report back to the control room and initiate the actions you have pre-programmed. It could be turning on the lights or a voicing an announcement.- If an emergency button is pressed, a gate could close and an alarm may be sent immediately to all relevant security personnel.- If a pipe is leaking, it could turn off a valve. If fuel levels approach the bottom threshold it could initiate the refilling and update the operations center.

You design the appropriate actions and you save the time it takes for the officer in the control room to consider and act. It will save you time and money and it may very well be the difference between a minor incident and a major disruption.

To discover more about Motorola Solutions RTUs and other airport solutions visit our website.

As a product manager, my role is really to bring together the customer needs, engineering capability and industrial design to deliver a product that addresses unresolved customer pain points. The best way to do this is co-development, working hand-in-hand with your customers. The new ST7000 Small TETRA radio is a perfect example of this philosophy in action, co-developed with customers in the airport industry to meet their need for a small, discreet and sophisticated TETRA radio.

We have a lot of airport customers who are interested in TETRA technology because of the system capacity and interoperability it provides with public safety. We know from working with them that airport workers generally have a mixed fleet of radios depending on their needs for a rugged, hard-wearing or intrinsically safe ATEX device. However, there was a group of workers who had a need that was going unmet; customer-facing employees. A smaller, sleeker and stylish device that would complement smart uniforms became the impetus for the co-development of the ST7000 Small TETRA Radio.

Spending a lot of time with key customers, we assessed daily routines, jobs they performed and key pain points and 4 areas stood out:-

1. DISCREET STYLE; small and elegantIt was immediately obvious that most current radios were just too big and bulky for these passenger-facing representatives to use properly. Weighing them down and an obstacle that obscured their face when they picked up the radio to talk it was important that this new radio should not come between them and their passengers.

Another complaint was in regard to the size of the antenna, and that it can dig in or catch on clothing. A smaller, but noticeable antenna was requested in order to distinguish from a smartphone and maintain a professional appearance. By achieving this users would have a device that would look modern and stylish to match their smart uniform.

2. EASY TO USE; simple controlsSimplicity was a major requirement. Users would need to be able to pick up the radio and use without extensive training. Training costs were a big issue for our airport customers; traditional radios are complex, and as such, training was time consuming. As a result the ST7000 radio was designed to be as simple and easy-to-use as possible. We added an innovative 4-button touch user interface display which is both intuitive to use, and addresses the fact that these customers did not need a traditional, full radio keypad.

3. MAXIMUM ACCESSORY COMPATIBILITY; flexible connectivityFlexibility was also key to these customers; they wanted to have a wide range of accessories options available for use. As such, we equipped the ST7000 with Bluetooth® wireless technology for use with wireless accessories, and added a 3.5mm audio jack that enables use of the radio with consumer off-the-shelf accessories (COTS). The additional inclusions of a reversible micro USB-C connector also enabled them to charge the device from any USB outlet, providing maximum flexibility when charging as well.

4. UNCOMPROMISING AUDIO QUALITY; loud and clear audioWhilst design and ease of use were essential the core tenet of good radio design, loud and clear audio was never to be compromised. The ST7000's low distortion, loud audio and 1.8W transmission power ensures users can hear and be heard even against the loud and unforgiving background noise of an airport.

THE ST7000 DELIVERS UNCOMPROMISING AUDIO QUALITY AND COVERAGE IN A SMALL ELEGANT AND DISCREET FORM FACTOR

The end result of this co-development and close collaboration with our customers - those that will be using the ST7000 everyday - is a small, discreet and sophisticated radio that doesn't compromise on audio capabilities.

• New system will double capacity, maximising voice and data performance for 1,300 airport staff• System is resilient, secure and scalable to meet the airport’s needs now and in the future

Gatwick is one of the United Kingdom’s most important transport hubs, with more than 4.6 million passengers travelling through it this July alone.

The launch of the MOTOTRBO Capacity Max system at Gatwick – a joint project with authorised channel partner Servicom - will bring enhanced voice and data communications to 1,300 users both airside and groundside. Ground staff, security personnel and maintenance teams across the airport will all benefit from the new innovation, and there are plans in place for further expansion.

The new Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) system will double the capacity of the existing analogue network and is fully scalable, in readiness for the airport’s ongoing growth.

“We chose Motorola Solutions’ MOTOTRBO Capacity Max system not only for how resilient and secure it is, but because of the flexibility it offers us now and into the future.

We have experienced significant growth over the past decade and we are now approaching the limits of our previous analogue system. Migrating to scalable, digital communications will double our capacity and bring new capabilities that will help us improve efficiency and safety for staff, retail partners and passengers across the airport."- Simon Telling, IT project manager at Gatwick Airport Limited.

In addition to reliable and secure voice communications, airside and groundside teams at Gatwick will also be able to take advantage of Capacity Max’s powerful data performance with new applications.

These include TRBOnet PLUS, a dispatcher application that enables voice recording, mapping and event logging in the control room, and iBeacon indoor positioning, which allows alerts to be sent to individual radios based on location. With the new system, central controllers can dispatch the closest employee to an incident, saving staff valuable time.

Other built-in functions include settings for lone workers, geo-fencing to create restricted areas and automated escalation protocols, which will bring upgraded safety and security capabilities.

As the hardware is connected to WiFi, software updates can be sent to equipment quickly and with less load on the radio network.

"It has been a great pleasure to work with our partners at Servicom on this next generation solution for London Gatwick Airport. Through our strong partnership and focus on customer requirements, we are introducing best-in-class business technology that will support efficiency, security and safety at the airport now and for many years to come.

Thanks to settings on the new devices which enable them to work on both the analogue network and the new Capacity Max system, the migration will take place through a phased roll-out with minimal disruption to working processes, another important advantage at a busy airport.”- Vivienne Francis, EMEA Vice President Channel Sales & Operations at Motorola Solutions

Despite the surge in smartphone use in the workplace, two-way radios have remained the dominant technology for push-to-talk communications, this is particularly apparent when you consider the many hundreds or thousands of workers at an airport. Why is this? Two-way radios are designed for the job. Not only are they rugged and durable, with extremely long battery life and loud, clear audio but they also offer a secure and reliable network in a time when we are facing the need for heightened security and communication simply cannot fail.

From check-in desks through to security, boarding gates and the runway themselves your users may work in high noise environments, on extended shifts, outdoors in the hot and cold, or in dangerous environments that require intrinsically safe devices. Different use cases may require devices that can be used with gloves, include displays or operate hands free. Supervisors may not carry a radio but need to interoperate with radio users from a smartphone. Purpose- built radios designed for specific use cases can meet all of these needs balancing the practicalities of sometimes harsh working environments with the need for a sleek design for passenger-facing employees. From extra loud speakers, noise-canceling microphones, glove friendly ergonomics, extreme temperature ratings, purpose built accessories, intrinsically safe models to integrated smartphone PTT applications such as WAVE PTT that ensures individuals and teams are connected regardless of the device they are using.The 5 Cs are the basics of what makes Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) such a widely-used communications tool, with more than 40 million two-way radios in use globally.

1. COVERAGEDesigned to meet specific requirements, whether it is a single terminal or a multi site airport facility encompassing offsite parking, aeroplane hangars and maintenance facilities as well as multiple passenger and cargo terminals and on to the runways.

2. CAPACITYEngineered to address peak usage, using dedicated licensed spectrum and right-sized to each airport’s specific needs – so calls always get through.

3. COSTPredictable costs, with no additional airtime fees like those associated with commercial mobile phone networks.

4. CONTROLHigh degree of control over system requirements, design, priorities, security, and operation – allowing a system to be configured for a specific use case.

5. CAPABILITIESFeatures and capabilities that enable safety and productivity for users such as location services, added encryption/security, text messaging, telemetry, radio programming and other enhanced features.

The 5th C(apabilities) is the game changer. These capabilities continue to drive the usage of PMR in airports and will continue to propel usage for time to come. Let’s take a look at the 5th C in more detail...

Efficiency and Productivity Capabilities (data applications)Modern, IP-enabled digital radio systems offer data capabilities. Radio systems might not offer broadband data speeds, but they allow you to deliver data services within your custom designed coverage area, with the capacity you need, without facing additional data airtime cost and give you exactly the control you need. So with data capabilities, what more can you do? • Query databases, identify (price, inventory, licensing), stock codes, (price, inventory, licensing)• Monitor biometric data such as the heart rate of workers, by connecting sensors to radios via Bluetooth• Send status alerts, call outs and text messages (free form and one-touch canned messaging)• Coordinate work order tickets for example sending aircraft engineers or cleaning services to a plane immediately after it has touched down to ensure fast turnaround times• Keep track of your staff and assets using locations services (such as GPS outdoors, Bluetooth locations sensors indoors)• Set up telemetry and SCADA to let your machines talk to each other to maintain everyday operations and quickly identify security breaches• Manage your fleet of radios over-the-air

Secure Communication CapabilitiesSecurity is a big topic these days, especially for airports. With PMR you control who can listen to your voice and data traffic. In addition there are many security features to secure your voice and data traffic, from business level secure voice encryption to government certified end-to-end encryption with features such as over-the-air encryption key management in TETRA systems. Trusted by tactical teams and government organisations, TETRA secures the most sensitive data.

Safety and Reliability CapabilitiesIn terms of safety, PMR really shines with its heritage in public safety communications and features like: prioritisation to clear communications channels during emergencies, dedicated emergency buttons on radios to call for help and man-down and lone-worker features to keep your workforce safe.

To be safe, your communications must be reliable. Your calls need to always get through so there are features built in to make sure calls are prioritised and radio traffic is load balanced. In case of a mobile network overload, you need to be sure your staff will be able communicate on their radio network or in direct mode. Systems can be designed to be resilient from redundant backhaul links at remote radio sites to redundant system controllers and back-up power. Plus radio always has the fall-back of direct mode/simplex/talkaround operation so communications can occur directly between radios in a peer to peer fashion without the need for infrastructure.

If you wish to explore in more detail how critical communications solutions can help airports overcome challenges such as security, capacity overload and quality of service download our latest guide to communication"From Drop-Off To Take-Off".

Long term Motorola Solutions customer, Stuttgart Airport identified the need to extend the airport’s communications beyond its TETRA rollout to ensure greater workforce connectively, interoperability and collaboration. Connecting the DIMETRA™ TETRA system with broadband devices and networks using WAVE - a powerful PTT platform – ensures public safety personnel and workers at the airport can join the broadband platform via smartphones, computers, other radios or telephones from virtually any location.

The future-proof technology extension follows a long-term communications strategy of the airport authorities. After the consolidation of the control rooms for fire departments and rescue services, the officials were looking for an integrated, secure communications system for all users – from ramp agents and baggage handlers to external workgroups such as cleaning organizations. Motorola Solutions provided this solution based on its WAVE platform combined with a refresh of its DIMETRA IP Compact TETRA radio network and its MCC 7500 IP Dispatch Console for integrated control room operations.

“We have been relying on Motorola Solutions’ TETRA digital radio solutions since 2009 and successfully expanded our DIMETRA IP Compact system to Baden-Airpark in 2013. Extending our TETRA network to other user groups at the airport was a logical step for us to increase efficiencies and to help us provide the best possible service to our passengers.”- Matthias Kolb, Head of Information and Communication Services at Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH

Airport officials can now easily communicate and dispatch out individual responders or groups in the TETRA network using the WAVE Advanced Desktop Communicator. The employees can even establish a connection with a public provider network to ensure a smooth and seamless communication at any time.

“A secure, reliable and interoperable communications system is crucial for airports in order to guarantee safe journeys for all passengers. Our WAVE PTT platform and our TETRA technology provide control rooms with the unmatched capability to reach across multiple user applications and resources for enhanced response coordination and greater efficiencies.” - Klaus-Dieter Drossel, Sales Director for Key Accounts, Motorola Solutions Germany GmbH

LONG-TERM SERVICE AGREEMENT SIGNEDFor future-proof system stability and resilience of the communications system, the airport authorities have signed a comprehensive agreement covering software, hardware, and implementation as well as maintenance and repair services.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who travels through Europe – or indeed the world – who’s noticed construction, redevelopment and regeneration are a sign of the times throughout the transport industry. Billions are being invested to bring infrastructure, terminals and stations in line with the need to accommodate what is already bulging passenger capacity.

With the aim being to maximise all lines of efficiencies and create a comfortable and pleasant experience for travellers you can see why the investments are being made but could it all be for nothing?

A larger workforce, spread out across a greater area goes hand-in-hand with any expansion programme; just take a look at Manchester airport, the current £1bn transformation project will see the workforce double. That workforce is key to passenger approval and satisfaction but this increase in is where things could go wrong.

Providing employees with the tools and connectivity to be productive and ensure passenger safety is becoming increasingly important. Without this instant access to detailed information how can passengers get the most up to date information that may affect their journey? Let’s face it, in today’s world a customer’s dissatisfaction has the potential to snowball out of control with one simple tweet.

THE CONNECTED TRANSPORT WORKER
Whether they are driving a bus, a station manager or check-in supervisor, it is imperative that your employees stay connected to achieve free-flowing information that’s needed. The right devices for the right users, will help ensure they stay ahead of any issues before they become emergencies. Motorola Solutions offers radios for every worker’s environment be it noisy, hazardous or customer facing our mission critical TETRA and DMR MOTOTRBO™ Series terminals give workers the voice to be heard.

From versatile mobile radios installed in train cars to LTE-enabled smartphones for supervisors, the right devices empower your staff with the information they need to provide the best service.

The signs are positive for the transport sector, there’s a recognition that investment needs to be made and even more encouragingly it is being made. But with every effort to improve passenger experience, it’s imperative that you invest in your workforce as well. Failure to do so could mean the billions being spent only exacerbate passenger frustrations.

Want to find out how to build the connected workforce? Download our guide ‘Getting From Here To There’ to explore the connected workforce in more detail.

It’s becoming more and more of a challenge to boost efficiency when up against a backdrop of rising urban populations, the proliferation of road traffic, climate change and heightened security risks. Whilst the success will depend on many factors, the role of communication should not be underestimated. When the right two-way radios and applications are applied to maximise their potential, they can transform efficiency in the transport business.

Three immediate benefits that a reliable, intelligent and future-ready communications network can bring are:

1. Improve fleet control and dispatch2. Accelerate response to incidents and service requests3. Spend less time and effort on maintenance

In a nutshell, when your staff can communicate and collaborate quickly and clearly, you can reduce costs, improve reliability and deliver excellent passenger experiences.

6 TWO WAY RADIO NON-NEGOTIABLES

When a radio is treated as more than just a device to talk over, that’s when efficiency is optimised. These 6 features illustrate just this point:-

1. EFFICIENT WORK ASSIGNMENTS: Improve the passenger experience by accelerating effective response to incidents and service requests, with Work Order Ticketing2. ENHANCED COMMAND AND CONTROL: Maintain great service for passengers, with integrated voice, text and data communications for advanced fleet control and dispatch functionalities3. PUSH-TO-TALK EVERYWHERE: Managers and key people outside the radio network can have PTT functionality right devices, with WAVE Work Group Communications4. SMART TELEMETRY: Track fleet assets, analyse performance, optimise maintenance regimes5. REMOTE DEVICE MANAGEMENT: Radio programming over Wi-Fi simplifies updates and management, without interrupting voice communications6. CLEAR CONVERSATIONS: High quality audio, Bluetooth™ wireless accessories, reduced background noise

Download your copy of "Getting From Here to There" for a more in-depth look into what it takes to build a reliable and robust communication network that links workers across your transport networks.

“Our strategy to double the market share of public transport worldwide by 2025 is about cities: making them better places to live and work.” Alain Flausch, UITP Secretary General

The way we travel shapes our culture. Railways and highways have been instrumental in breaking down the divisions between regions, nations and even continents.

And we're in transit again. Europe is coming to terms with new challenges around safe and efficient transportation, and volatile patterns of economic growth. Demand is rising, but so too is competition. Regulation is tightening, populations and traffic congestion are increasing.

But there are no certainties when it comes to running a transport network. The mobilisation of millions of passengers and workers takes great effort and planning. The critical factor to success....? Communication.

The transfer of information via both voice and data channels is the key to an integrated travel network. Detailed, up-to-date intelligence, direct from the front line, gives you the timely insight you need to make the right strategic and operational calls, both in the moment and for future planning.

For a more in-depth look at planning for your future transport network download the report ‘Transport Management and Control In A World Of Change And Complexity’. It brings together insight and opinion from politicians, senior decision-makers and industry commentators whilst looking into solutions you can investigate in order to deliver an integrated network that pleases your passengers.

SEA Group selects Motorola Solutions’ TETRA digital radio system for Linate and Malpensa airports"With 1,200 operating radios and an increase in operations, SEA needed a more dynamic solution for communications," says Fabio Degli Esposti, information & communication technology director, SEA. "Faced with the need to replace an outdated system and the need to cope with an increasing demand of services, the only choice for us was to switch to digital technology, which is able to guarantee a safe and effective service."

After identifying the need to upgrade their communication network SEA selected Motorola Solutions’ TETRA radio system to improve operations and ensure the highest levels of security, efficiency and effectiveness at Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports. The deployment of a TETRA Dimetra IP Compact radio communications system not only enabled SEA to connect both of Milan’s airports, but can now provide enhanced customer services with rapid flight turnaround and more efficient terminal operations.

In Malpensa - where the old and the new systems had to coexist in the migration phase - everything was fully operational within just two weeks, including the configuration of 1,000 new radios. At Linate airport, the system, supporting 400 new radios, was set up in just a week.

“SEA could not afford any inefficiency," says Giuliano Posenato, customer service manager, Motorola Solutions Italy. "The implementation had to be very fast, because the requirement was to change the engine on the machine while it was still running.”

Motorola Solutions’ high-performance TETRA base stations now deliver TETRA network coverage in both airports. Old radios used by personnel throughout the airports where also replaced with new TETRA digital handsets.

Motorola Solutions has signed a four-year managed services agreement with SEA, guaranteeing technology evolution including the replacement of its complete telecommunication system (controller, base stations and radios). Motorola Solutions will provide global integrated services infrastructure with highly qualified technical support and certified repair centres that will provide fast repair times and expert technical support for the system for many years to come.

In September 2015, Motorola Solutions will upgrade the connections at both airports with the latest generation of Motorola Solutions TETRA system Dimetra 8.2 enhancing data transmission and offering the SEA the opportunity to develop rich data services to further improve both operations and the customer experience at Milan’s airports.